Movin' On Up

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Now Entering the Courtroom: Zdeno Chara

There are two sides to every story, with the truth lying in between.  If you talk to a Bruins fan, you would hear an entirely different outtake in regards to Zdeno Chara’s body check than you would if you spoke to a Canadiens supporter.  As bad blood boiled over from the Canadiens’ overtime victory on January 8th and a fight filled affair on February 9th, the Bruins were in desperate need of a spark, for they spotted the Canadiens a three goal lead as play was nearing the end of the second period.  In the earlier matchup, Habs forward Max Pacioretty gave Chara a good shove in the back as he scored the game winner in overtime.  Chara immediately confronted Pacioretty and a skirmish ensued.  While nothing major occurred at the end of that game, there is no doubt that it provided fuel to the fire the next time these two teams faced off.  The February contest induced a tremendous amount of fisticuffs, as the Original Six members put the Yankees and Red Sox rivalry to shame.  With all of the hatred manifesting itself to epic proportions, it is important to note that an athlete does not forget any past transgressions.  Instead, he waits until the right moment presents itself to enact revenge, which is exactly what happened last night.

As play approached the final seconds of the second period, Max Pacioretty had a step on Zdeno Chara, racing to the outside of the ice, trying to create a two-on-one situation.  Chara immediately decided to prevent this from happening, so his intention was to rub Pacioretty along the boards, effectively taking him out of the play.  More than likely, Chara would have received a two minute minor interference penalty, but he deemed it as a necessary evil, for a guaranteed odd man rush was something the Bruins could not afford to risk at that moment.  As he was being checked along the players’ bench side of the rink, Pacioretty violently collided with the glass sanction that separates the opposing teams.  As the play around him continued, Pacioretty lie face down and motionless on the ice.  It was highly evident that the Canadiens player was unconscious and serious injury was a definite possibility.  Due to the extent of his actions, Chara was issued a five minute major and a game misconduct.  While it was unsure if any other suspension would take shape, the issue was brought to league officials for their review and diagnosis.  While Pacioretty was conscious and could move his extremities at the hospital, it is also important to note that he does have fractured vertebrae in his neck and suffered a severe concussion.

If you look at the situation from a third party’s point of view, you quickly realize that this can be compared to a People’s Court episode.  Sitting at one table, you have the Montreal Canadiens and its die hard fans, foaming at the mouth and demanding the book to be thrown at Zdeno Chara.  They would claim he intentionally targeted Max Pacioretty and wanted to take his anger out at that exact moment and time.  On the other side, you have the Boston Bruins and its supporters, pointing at Chara’s exemplary record, noting that this is his first offense of any kind.  Not known as a dirty player, Chara certainly did not mean to inflict this level of injury on his opponent.  They would further argue that hard body checks like this, while unfortunate, are a part of the game.  The issued penalty that Chara sustained during the game was more than ample for his actions.  Judge Wapner would have his hands full dealing with these enraged groups appearing in his courtroom.  I can almost hear the television show’s theme music playing as the two sides are announced by host Doug Llewelyn.

Unfortunately, I will be forced to give you my take on this case, due to the high financial demands that Judge Wapner desires.  So without further ado, since the courtroom is now silent, I can commence my decision.  While I hold Mr. Chara’s previous record in high regard, I will make sure to note that this is his first time ever being associated with negligence.  However, that is the term that I cannot allow myself to get past.  I believe that Zdeno Chara did not intend to inflict an injury of this magnitude on Max Pacioretty, but the fact remains that his actions did create them.  Furthermore, even though hockey is played at a tremendous amount of speed, an athlete of professional caliber certainly knows the nuances that appear around the playing surface.  Hence, Chara fully understood that he and Pacioretty were skating towards the players’ benches and that those glass partitions could come into play.  Instead of letting up on the impact, he maintained his pressure and the end result came to fruition.  While the five minute major and game misconduct was only due to the injury, I will also keep that in mind in regards to my final judgement.  I would not strike this against the clean record of Zdeno Chara, for it was not deemed malicious.  While the body check would have normally derived in a two minute minor for interference, the old saying, “Wrong place, wrong time” applies to this case.  After reviewing all the material given to me, I would suspend Chara for 1 or 2 games, primarily for his negligence of his actions.

UPDATE:  The NHL has ruled that no further disciplinary actions would be taken on Zdeno Chara.

The Flyers Have a Chance to Rewrite History

It is no secret that the Philadelphia Flyers are viewed as being in dire straits.  What else is new?  As the team suffered an embarrassing 7-0 loss at the hands of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, the panic button was effectively pushed by Flyers nation.  Throughout the season, the team has plugged along, having consistent success without any stretches of hardship to overcome.  From the first drop of the puck this season to the end of February, the 2010-2011 club has been a polar opposite than the team that ended up just short of hockey excellence last year.  Perhaps that is why the rabid fan base is ready to turn its back to the club, as if it was bracing for the inevitable failure that has plagued the franchise since 1975.  Every year since that magical moment, whether the team had a realistic chance to win it all or not, the end bottom line has been the same.  Known as being a tough sports town, Philadelphia fans just want the best for its teams.  Sometimes their passion just gets in the way of seeing things for what they are and not want they believe them to be.

The club had a statement game at its fingertips on Sunday, as a national audience tuned in to watch on NBC.  After falling behind early, the flood gates opened, and the hungry Rangers steamrolled the Flyers, sending a message of their own to the league that are a team to be reckoned with.  All the franchise can muster is excuses as it tries to stop the worst losing streak of the season against the lowly Oilers at the Wells Fargo Center.  Coach Peter Laviolette tried to curtail the blame game by suggesting that his recent rash of harsh practices took the life out of his team.  He furthered his stance by giving the players the day off on Monday, allowing them to relax and refocus.  The flu was also considered a culprit of the demise of the Flyers, as it forced several key players to miss recent games.  However, that excuse does not hold water for a true team would barrel through the adversity and press forward, a la the Pittsburgh Penguins, who, despite the loss of stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, have maintained the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.

It would not be the Flyers if the goaltending position was not under constant criticism.  Since the retirement of Ron Hextall, the club has been able to freely blame whoever the poor guy was in between the pipes for all the downfalls.  As while the club sputters along, it is only natural that unheralded Brian Boucher and rookie Sergei Bobrovsky would come under fire.  With the makeup of the team, the two goalies have only been needed to make the routine saves, with the occasional spectacular stop sprinkled in the mix.  Recently, however, the team has faltered into defensive lapses, forcing the tandem to be left high and dry.  While neither goaltender is viewed as the second coming of Bernie Parent, they were never expected to be, as the finances were spent on comprising a solid team in front of them to alleviate the burden.  

While systems and coaching are vital to a team’s success, the players are the ones who can alter history.  Until the team regains its composure and heart, it will continue to dwell in limbo.  This is arguably the best Flyers team in the past 25 years, (dating all the way back to 1987 and even better than the other Stanley Cup Finals losers since) with the right combination of playmaking, scoring, defense, and grit filling its active roster.  The club thrives on tenacity and toughness, but that has been lacking for quite some time.  As the playoffs approach, the Flyers need to analyze themselves individually and carry out what they set out to do after losing to Chicago last postseason.  Now is the time for the veterans’ voices to make themselves be heard and be translated into all out attrition.  The playoffs have already begun for many teams on the playoff bubble as every game potentially has a dramatic effect on their chances of playing for the Stanley Cup.  Those clubs find themselves in the same situation the Flyers were last season as they clawed and scraped into the postseason.  While complacency may have set in for a brief moment, it is the desire of the team that will ultimately prove its direction from here on out.

A Team’s Ultimate Victory: Overcoming Tragedy

By competing in a team sport, individuals must always put their peers first for the betterment of the squad.  In doing so, not only is success possibly achieved, but a strong bond between teammates is forged.  In the ever growing relationship of a team, as the cohesiveness strengthens, a family like atmosphere takes shape.  The sense of obligation that team members have is evident in the amount of time and dedication they commit to one another.  That is the beauty of a team sport. Camaraderie is quickly obtained through all facets of commitment such as the prolonged road trips, tough practices, and laughs in the locker room.  Moving forward, a team confronts numerous obstacles along its path, with perhaps, none being more difficult than the tragic loss of one of its own.  Fully knowing that every person will face the loss of loved ones during the course of his/her life does not make dealing with that hardship any easier.  

In dealing with the loss of a loved one, time and recollection heals all wounds.  In a team sport, all players can hold onto is the times they have shared together.  The schedule does not offer them the chance to obtain peace of mind.  Such is the case for two amateur basketball teams, who have faced the tragic loss of a teammate.  For Fennville High School, it was a roller coster of a emotions which led to the death of junior stand-out Wes Leonard.  After making a game winning shot and leading his team to a 20-0 regular season record, the Michigan high school student collapsed amidst the on-court celebration.  The charge that radiated from the crowd and players quickly changed to one of despair and remorse.  Despite all efforts to revive the star player, Leonard lost his life to cardiac arrest, caused from an enlarged heart.  As a community continues to mourn, the players are in a difficult spot for they need to put the pieces back together at an escalated rate as they prepare for the playoffs.

Members of the Middle Tennessee State University women’s basketball team are still dumbfounded in correlation to the tragic death of junior guard Tina Stewart.  According to reports, Stewart and her roommate, Shanterrica Madden, had been in a fight that led up to Stewart being fatally stabbed.  Madden has since been charged with the murder which has shocked those in the Murfreesboro area.  While all the events leading up to the altercation may never come to light, the ending will never be forgotten.   Once again the team admirably pressed on, competing against Arkansas State in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.  Despite a strong second half effort, the number one seeded Blue Raiders fell 77-62.  Now the team’s fate lies in the hands of the NCAA Selection Committee, who will determine the playing field for the upcoming National Championship Tournament.

Tragedy does not discriminate.  It will bear its ugly head to each and every one of us throughout the course of our lives.  While making the statement, “He would want it that way” may be cliche, it holds a meaning for those of an athletic club.  The level of commitment that the lost member displayed to teammates must be carried on by those who are left in the aftermath.  A sports team is considered a second family to each and every player and in losing a “sibling” unexpectedly is challenged in an unfathomable way.  For a sports team, members are not offered the opportunity to heal traditionally.  Instead, they face the tragedy head on with one another, needing the support and love they share to carry them through such a circumstance.  In having each other, the team will conquer all and in cases like these, achieve the ultimate goal: finding solace in tragedy.

Running With Jesus

As most NASCAR teams travel back and forth from their respective garages to that week’s race location, some are forced to go from track to track.  A simple lack of funding is to blame, although for the members of those crews, it has become a way of life.  Such is the case for long time driver, Morgan Shepherd, who currently participates in the Nationwide Series.  For most teams, sponsorships offer the opportunity to earn an exorbitant amount of money, which is then used for the research, development, and maintaining of vehicles.  While these sponsors are from all walks of life, for Morgan Shepherd, he follows the path of one man, Jesus.  “Racing with Jesus” has been his mantra for quite some time and has become synonymous with Shepherd himself.  

With his background in mind, it is ironic that Shepherd aided Las Vegas Police in apprehending a group of shoplifters.  Due to his obvious lack of funding, the 69 year-old Shepherd was forced to search for an oil drain pan at a nearby Walmart. As the 44-season veteran approached the entrance, three men came sprinting out, being chased by security.  Shepherd immediately joined in the chase and apprehended one of the suspects.  As he was sitting on top of the man, Shepherd was tossed a pair of handcuffs  by Police, which he then applied to the downed person.  While his cohorts were catching the other men, Shepherd used his time to empathize with the suspect and hoped that he would learn from the decisions he had made.  

For Morgan Shepherd, this was just another day in his will to do good.  In his lifelong devotion, he has given his time and efforts to the betterment of others.  Most recently, he donated the hoods of his cars to the Salvation Army and committed to helping spread the word about the services the nonprofit organization provides.  In a sports world consumed with money and greed, it is a breath of fresh air that someone not only shows the good in things, but lives that way.

Trevor Gillies Back In the NHL’s Penalty Box

        Trevor Gillies of the New York Islanders did not waste any time in making his presence felt.  In his first game back from his nine game suspension for his altercation with Eric Tangradi of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the forward continued his brash style of play.  After Cal Clutterbuck from the Minnesota Wild checked his teammate into the boards, Gillies retaliated by coming up high and hitting Clutterbuck’s head into the glass.  Gillies received a five minute major and a game misconduct for his actions.  While it is a forgone conclusion that the NHL will suspend Gillies, the pressing issue is determining the duration of his sentence.  The league has an important decision on its hands, but must act quickly to assume control of the situation.  Gillies is now a repeat offender and the proximity of incidents must be taken into account by the NHL.  While everyone deserves a second chance, Gillies threw that in the trash in a matter of a few shifts during his return.  Playing physical, yet disciplined hockey is what drives patrons into arenas, but this type of barbaric lunacy would get those same fans arrested if they mimicked those actions in a public forum.  

The Islanders organization must be embarrassed by this latest tirade, for this is exactly what the NHL discourages in today’s game.  Management must also stress that this type of play will not be tolerated and release this man immediately.  By doing so, it will serve as a public apology to its fan base as well as a declaration that players’ safety, a main concern of the NHL, is supported at the team level.  With the rising amount of players who have sustained serious injuries through clean play, the league cannot allow more to be targets of unruly behavior.  Hopefully upon his perceived release from the Islanders, other teams will turn their backs and let Gillies walk off into oblivion.  Incidents like this give the league a black eye and bring the evolution of the sport down several pegs on the totem pole.  With critics analyzing the reaction of the league closely, it is time for the NHL to step up to the plate and send a loud and clear message to not only its brethren, but to the sports world.  This is the exact time and place for disciplinary action to equal the on-ice crime, but the clock is ticking.

BYU Keeps It Black and White

Written rules are as black and white as the ink and paper they are transcribed upon.  For those who police the directives, being human can allow shades of gray to cloud their interpretations and selfishly alter punishments.  BYU announced that Brandon Davies was dismissed from the school’s basketball team for violating the honor code of the University.  The school is now conducting an honor code review to determine if the sophomore forward will be permitted to remain enrolled in classes as well as his future with the basketball team.  The University’s honor code requires students to live a chaste and virtuous life, be honest, abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee and substance abuse, and attend church regularly.  Upon learning of Davies’ violation, the school immediately removed him from team functions and started its investigation.  Despite the school being ranked #3 in the most current college basketball polls, BYU handled the situation swiftly and, as it constitutes in the student handbook, justly.

A sophomore forward, Brandon Davies was a vital contributor to BYU’s success, as it tries to make a run at the NCAA Title.  Davies has started 26 of 29 games and averaged 11.1 points and a team-leading 6.2 rebounds.  He was a low post presence, ran the floor well, and was often given the assignment of containing opponents in the paint.  This is seen as a tremendous loss for the Cougars, who are 27-2 overall, 13-1 in the Mountain West Conference.  It remains to be seen how the selection committee will view this dismissal, for it may ultimately cost BYU a potential #1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Credit must be given to BYU for upholding its honor code with its purpose trumping any outside factors and possible coercion.  In taking this stand, the school fully understands that it may have hampered any chance it would have to capture its first National Championship.  While some people may jeer at the substance that is contained in the school’s honor code, that is not the matter at hand.  Davies was fully aware of the ramifications of violating the code and it is important to note that all those enrolled at BYU are held accountable to the same degree as their peers.  The only reason why this is making headlines is due to the fact that it involves a star basketball player.  Had this been a nondescript student, the individual would have been shown the door and expelled from the University.  By the same token, depending on what level Davies violated the ruling, the school could have easily swept it under the rug and turned a blind eye to the situation.  By taking the high road, it instills in its pupils that the best thing to do is always do what is right, even if it is not always the easiest.

UPDATE

The BYU Cougars suffered a 82-64 loss at home to New Mexico last night.  Also, it is now being reported that Brandon Davies violated the University’s honor code by having sex with his girlfriend.